Can I Employ a Domestic Help Who Has Her Own UAE Visa?
Can I Employ a Domestic Help Who Has Her Own UAE Visa? When living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), many residents require domestic help such as cooks, cleaners, nannies, or drivers to support their household needs. However, employing a domestic worker who claims to have her own UAE visa without understanding the legal framework can result in significant legal trouble.
This guide explores whether you can hire a domestic helper on her own visa, what UAE law says about domestic worker permits, how to get a private tutor licence, and how expats can reactivate Saudi driving licences upon returning to the Kingdom.
Can You Employ a Domestic Worker with Her Own UAE Visa?
Many residents are misinformed about whether a domestic worker with her own UAE residence visa can legally work for multiple households. The short answer is no.
It is illegal to employ a domestic worker on a visa that is not directly sponsored by you or an approved agency.
Domestic workers fall under a regulated category of employment covered by Federal Law Decree No. 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers, which governs household staff such as:
- Cooks
- Housemaids
- Cleaners
- Gardeners
- Drivers
- Private tutors
Legal Employment of Domestic Workers
There are only two legal ways to hire domestic staff in the UAE:
- Through a licensed agency approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
- By sponsoring them directly under your name.
Let’s break this down:
| Employment Method | Legal Status | Who Is the Sponsor? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hired via agency | Legal | Agency | Agency handles visas, salaries, and paperwork. |
| Direct sponsorship | Legal | Individual employer | Employer must provide visa, contract, and health coverage. |
| Worker on her own visa | Illegal | Unknown/Third party | Not permitted under UAE law. |
| Worker under another UAE resident | Illegal | Another family/individual | Not allowed unless worker is transferred legally. |
Penalties for Employing Illegal Domestic Workers
Employing a domestic worker without a valid work permit can lead to serious penalties. Article 17.3 of the Federal Decree Law clearly states:
“A fine of at least AED 50,000 and up to AED 200,000 shall be imposed on those who provide employment to a domestic worker without obtaining a valid work permit.”
This means:
- If you hire someone who claims they are on their own visa or under someone else’s sponsorship, you are breaking the law.
- You are also at risk of losing any advance payment if the worker does not show up or fails to fulfill her duties you have no legal right to recover the money.
If reported, both the employer and the worker can be fined and potentially blacklisted for future visa sponsorship.
What to Do Before Hiring a Domestic Helper in the UAE
To stay compliant, you must ensure:
- The worker is either employed by a licensed agency or
- You apply to sponsor the worker yourself, with all necessary legal and medical documentation.
If you need short-term help, go through a MoHRE-approved temporary staffing agency that offers legal services for cooks, maids, or drivers on a per-hour or per-day basis.
Can You Work as a Private Tutor in the UAE If You Are Sponsored by Your Husband?
Yes, but only if you hold the correct permit.
Many part-time or stay-at-home professionals are approached for private tutoring in the UAE. While tutoring is in high demand, providing it without a licence is illegal even if you are sponsored by your spouse and already hold another work permit.
New UAE Licence for Private Tutoring (Introduced in December 2023)
The UAE government launched a free licence for private tutoring as part of a joint initiative by MoHRE and the Ministry of Education (MoE) to curb unlicensed and unregulated teaching.
This licence allows:
- Qualified teachers and professionals to tutor legally.
- Both in-person and online tutoring.
- Even students aged 15+ to register as tutors with parental consent.
Requirements for Private Tutoring Permit
Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| NOC from current employer | Especially required if you’re already working part-time. |
| Emirates ID | Must be valid and registered. |
| Academic qualifications | Most recent degree certificate. |
| Good conduct certificate | Also called police clearance; available via police app in your emirate. |
| Teaching experience | Details of past teaching or tutoring roles. |
| Application via UAE Pass | Full digital process; decision within 2 working days. |
Permits are valid for 2 years and can be renewed.
This permit opens the door for legal side income opportunities and ensures that your services are recognized, regulated, and trusted.
Can Students Over 15 Get a Tutor Permit?
Yes. Students aged 15 or older are also eligible for the private tutor licence, provided they meet certain conditions:
- Must be UAE residents.
- Must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a legal guardian, typically their father.
- Must show competency in the subject area they wish to tutor.
This is a great opportunity for young achievers to gain early professional experience in a regulated and safe manner.
Returning to Saudi Arabia? Here’s What to Know About Your Driving Licence
If you’re returning to Saudi Arabia after a break and still have a valid Saudi driving licence, you may be wondering if you can use it immediately. The answer depends on your Iqama status.
| Detail | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Licence validity | 5 years for expats (non-Saudi & non-GCC nationals) |
| Licence linked to Iqama | If your Iqama is cancelled, your licence becomes invalid |
| Returning to KSA | Must reactivate licence after new Iqama is issued by your employer |
| Reactivation process | Done via the Absher app, quick and fully digital |
Even though your Iqama number remains the same, it has to be renewed and linked again before you are legally allowed to drive.
How to Reactivate Your Saudi Driving Licence
Once you arrive back in Saudi Arabia:
- Your employer must process a new Iqama.
- After it’s issued, log into the Absher platform.
- Reactivate your driving licence under your new Iqama.
No need to retake a driving test if the licence was valid at the time of departure.
Conclusion
Whether you’re thinking about employing a domestic worker in the UAE, offering tutoring services, or returning to Saudi Arabia with a driving licence, understanding the law is key to staying safe and compliant.
